Lester said he hopes the series will not only allow people to challenge misconceptions they might have about other faiths, but also to challenge misconceptions that other people may have about theirs.

He also said it is important to understand people with different beliefs and to learn to be empathetic towards people of different cultures at a time when hate crimes are on the rise.

Nafisa Thorpe, a global studies senior, said she appreciates the initiative because it gives her the opportunity as a Muslim student to interact with people of different faiths, learn about their beliefs and educate them about what it is like to be Muslim.

“One misconception is that all Muslim women that wear the hijab are oppressed,” she said.

However, Thorpe said she was never forced to wear a hijab by her parents, but instead chooses to wear one because it helps her feel in-tune with her culture.

Thorpe also used the conflict between Palestine and Israel as an example of why it is important for people of different religions to come together and learn to understand each other.

She said because religion is a frequent talking point in politics and the media, it cannot be ignored. She said she hopes Dispelling the Myths can at least help people in the local community start a conversation between people of different faiths.